The Benefits of Working Out Go Deeper Than Just Looking Good…

Author

Affinity At Fort Collins

Posted on

May 12, 2021

Book/Edition

Colorado - Northern Colorado

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Workout sessions may have changed for you since the 1970s, but an active lifestyle remains vital for your health and well-being. Tethering a daily workout routine with a work out buddy makes the gym seem less daunting. Having a gym that is easily accessible eliminates excuses and increases the likelihood to get your sweat on.
In addition, daily physical activity is the best thing you can do to reduce the risk of dementia and arthritis. Just because your workouts look different doesnt mean you cant work out.
Trade in the bench press for a yoga ball.
Trade in a run for some low impact salt-water aerobics fun.
Physical activity is one way to take care of yourself; the other is taking care of your mental health. Loneliness is a dark friend who comes to visit from time to time. Then depression sets in, and some days just getting out of your chair feels like a win. Life doesnt feel so dark when community surrounds you.
Affinity offers a variety of ways to improve both your physical and mental health, with on-site fitness centers and social clubs to suit every interest. Book a tour to learn more about our community, and take a step towards a healthier, happier you!

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Fitness for Pain Control

Chronic pain is a significant challenge for many seniors, affecting up to 75% of those over 65. This persistent discomfort can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn may contribute to depression, mood swings, and decreased strength and mobility. As a result, daily activities and cherished hobbies can become difficult to enjoy.  However, research shows that exercise can be an effective self-management strategy for chronic pain. Studies indicate that seniors who engage in at least two hours of weekly exercise may experience up to 25% less joint and muscle pain compared to their inactive peers. This is particularly relevant for those with conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, along with some strength training. This could involve several half-hour walks or a few morning jogs. Resistance training is also beneficial for improving strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures.For seniors dealing with chronic lower back pain, joint osteoarthritis, or diabetes-related pain, these goals might seem daunting. However, any movement that transitions from sedentary to active can help manage pain. Staying still often worsens chronic pain symptoms, while increased physical activity can significantly reduce ongoing discomfort and help the body adapt to common pain triggers.Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for seniors, including:Maintaining functional joint movementIncreasing mobility and flexibilityImproving cardiovascular health and staminaPreventing the breakdown of bone and cartilage tissueIt's important to remember that physical activity doesn't have to mean intense workouts. For seniors, any form of body movement is beneficial. Here are some tips for staying active:Make exercise social: Invite a friend for a walk, join a community dance class, or incorporate movement into family visits.Keep it fun: Find enjoyable activities that incorporate strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.Set short-term goals and track progress: This can boost motivation and consistency.Many senior living communities, like those operated by Priority Life Care, offer daily exercise classes and social events to keep residents active. These classes can be modified to accommodate various fitness levels, making them accessible to all. They also provide opportunities to find workout buddies for added motivation.By embracing regular physical activity, seniors can gain confidence in managing their pain and improve their overall well-being. The key is to remain as active as current abilities allow, gradually building strength and endurance over time. With persistence and the right approach, chronic pain doesn't have to be a barrier to an active, fulfilling lifestyle in the golden years.FITNESS AND SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIESPriority Life Care Senior Living Communities offer daily exercise classes as well as social events that can keep you moving. Classes are easily modified to accommodate any level of fitness. Its a great way to keep active and find a fitness buddy to keep you motivated. If you are looking to do a specific type of exercise that is not offered, let the Life Enrichment Director know! We often find if one person is asking for something specific, there are other like-minded individuals who will also participate. Visit a Priority Life Care community today to see what is available for you.

Martial Arts for Seniors and the Elderly

When it comes to movement and flexibility as we age, the old adage use it or lose it definitely applies. The more sedentary a person becomes, the harder it becomes to get up and move around. This can also become dangerous, since as we lose flexibility and mobility, injuries and falls become more likely. Exercise programs as we age are a must to stay healthy and safe. But what exercise program will be enjoyable and also appropriate for your age?It might surprise you to hear that martial arts are a great choice for seniors who want to stay active and mobile. Martial arts for seniors are the perfect tool to help you stay motivated to exercise and maintain a sense of independence. Elderly martial arts also offer an opportunity to socialize in a group class setting. The Four Best Martial Arts for SeniorsTai ChiWhen it comes to martial arts for older adults, Tai Chi is an excellent choice. Tai Chi has no contact, so it is gentle, safe, and comes with very minimal risk for injury. It focuses on balance, stability, flexibility, and muscle control all things seniors need to stay healthy and injury free. Tai chi can also help reduce knee and back pain, including the pain associated with arthritis. Brazilian Jiu JitsuBrazilian Jiu Jitsu adds some light contact to your martial arts practice. Designed for self-defense, Jiu Jitsu is a great martial arts practice for older people as it gives you a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. It comes with its own special vocabulary, which will boost mental acuity while also building physical strength. It is a great choice for those who want to try contact martial arts but not put too much strain on their joints. AikidoAikido is another safe choice when looking for martial arts for the elderly since it focuses mainly on standing movements with minimal sparring. Some studios will offer a specialized aikido class called no fall aikido for seniors. Like other martial arts for old people, it will help you build confidence and learn a form of self-defense. It also helps develop the ability to stay calm in stressful or unfamiliar situations. KarateThe Japanese art of Karate is often associated with young people, but it has many benefits for the elderly as well. It is safe and easily adaptable to various skill levels. There is no age limit on earning a black belt. Martial arts are great for seniors who want to stay active but feel bored by safer or mundane activities like walking or yoga (which are both great and useful, but not right for everyone). They help increase strength, confidence, and mental health. They offer a sense of community and accomplishment, both things' seniors need as they age to stave off potential depression and loneliness. They are also just fun!As always, chat with your doctor or primary care provider before jumping into any exercise program. They may be able to offer helpful tips or information you should share with your trainer to help you modify the exercise program to keep you safe and healthy. And never be afraid to tell your trainer you need help or adjustments it is what they are there for. They also want to keep you happy, safe and injury free. To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD

How to Proactively Monitor Your Eyes for Glaucoma

When we age, taking care of our health becomes increasingly important. One area that deserves special attention is our vision, particularly the risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and managed early. For seniors with diabetes, monitoring eye health becomes even more necessary, as diabetes can increase the risk of developing conditions like glaucoma. Being proactive about eye health can make a significant difference in maintaining good vision for years to come.The Link Between Diabetes and GlaucomaDiabetes can cause various health problems, including those affecting the eyes. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk for these eye problems, making it essential to keep a close eye on eye health.How Glaucoma Affects VisionGlaucoma is a progressive disease that affects the optic nerve in the eye. Over time, it can lead to a gradual loss of vision, often starting with peripheral (side) vision. As the condition progresses, it may lead to tunnel vision or even complete blindness if left untreated. Early on, glaucoma may not present any noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are vital. Signs to watch for include blurred vision, halos around lights, or loss of peripheral vision.Early Warning Signs of Deteriorating Eye HealthRecognizing the early warning signs of glaucoma and other eye conditions is necessary for seniors, especially those managing diabetes. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:Sudden or gradual loss of peripheral visionSeeing halos or rainbows around lightsEye pain or rednessBlurred visionHeadaches or eye discomfortEarly detection allows for better management of the condition, potentially preserving vision.Why You Need Regular Eye ExamsRegular eye exams play a key role in detecting glaucoma early. Eye doctors can perform tests to measure intraocular pressure and examine the optic nerve, helping to identify signs of glaucoma. Seniors should aim to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year or more often if recommended by their doctor. Staying vigilant with eye exams ensures that any changes in vision can be addressed promptly.Tips for Proactively Monitoring Eye Health at HomeIn addition to regular eye exams, there are practical steps seniors can take at home to monitor their eye health. Using good lighting when reading or performing activities can help reduce eye strain. Wearing sunglasses outdoors protects against harmful UV rays that can damage the eyes over time. You need to pay attention to any changes in vision and note them down for discussion with an eye care professional. Some seniors find it helpful to use tools like an Amsler grid to regularly check for vision distortion. Protect Your EyesProactively monitoring your eyes for glaucoma is a necessary part of maintaining overall health, particularly for seniors with diabetes. Understanding the relationship between diabetes and eye health and recognizing early warning signs of conditions like glaucoma can make a big difference. By scheduling regular eye exams and taking steps to monitor vision at home, seniors can protect their eyesight and enjoy their golden years with clarity. If you or a loved one in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, or Longmont need support in managing eye health, reach out to Senior Helpers Greeley 970-373-3858.

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Affinity At Fort Collins

Independent Living 4201 Corbett Dr, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80525

Affinity at Fort Collins combines the very best of apartment living with the advantages of being part of a close-knit community. Our 55+ apartment homes are specifically designed to help active adults make the most of each day. Make dinner at home in your fully-equipped kitchen, then enjoy it alfresco on your private balcony or patio. Laundry day is a breeze with your own in-home washer and dryer. And you can rest easy knowing that all your utilities are included in your rent.